The trunk and branches of my Japanese Acer are grey in colour and there are no buds appearing anywhere. I had had this plant for about 2 years, the first year it grew beautifully and had lovely leaves. Following this bad winter spell I am afraid that it has died? Is there anything I can do?

Answers

Scrape back a bit of the bark covering on the main trunk - if its obviously dead, then it hasn't survived the winter. Unusual for an acer, unless its in a very exposed position, or you had it in a pot outside over winter.